How to Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion by Ashima Shiraishi, Yao Xiao
on April 7, 2020
ISBN: 1524773271
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads

Ashima Shiraishi is a world-class climber, and in the climbing world, boulders are referred to as problems. Shiraishi takes this play on words and runs with it wonderfully. She talks about how she solves problems in rock climbing, and that easily equates to solving problems in life. She takes the reader through her thought processes in bouldering, and she walks through how she learns from mistakes.

This is a great book for kids working through anxiety or who are feeling overwhelmed. It has a similar feel to Kobi Yamada’s What Do You Do With a Problem? but tackles the issue with less metaphor, and thus, may resonate with younger kids more easily. The illustrations are high color and reminiscent of the style found in many graphic novels. This is a great book for one-on-one sharing and would be best for kids 4 and up. Even older kids who are working through some problems of their own will benefit from this book.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME